Game theory and the brain: panel discussion overview

Brain and mental health, including brain aging, is often referred to as one of our generation's biggest healthcare challenges. Gamification offers an opportunity to address brain health needs while making a positive impact on the cost of care. This panel session, "Game theory and the brain," features discussion of novel approaches to early assessment, diagnosis and treatment available to patients of all ages. From a brainwave sensing headband that can improve how you respond to stress, to video games that can detect and treat ADHD among children and an online memory assessment for the aging; learn how leaders in brain and mental health are meeting this challenge head on.

Michael Meagher of Cogniciti

Seniors make up just 13% of the population, but account for 36% of healthcare costs. With improved longevity, concerns over memory loss and dementia are increasingly responsible for bringing seniors to their doctors. For those who are worried about whether their memory is normal or if they should visit their doctor, there is now a free, online science-based brain health assessment. Cogniciti is Baycrest's commercialization arm for brain health. Nearly 50,000 people have already taken the assessment, which has been research validated at Baycrest, a world leader in geriatric care and research in memory. Cogniciti's President and CEO, Michael Meagher, joins the panel to discuss how neuroscience innovations, including those inspired by game theory, are leading to better brain health and outcomes.

Prateek Dwivedi of Ehave

Ehave Inc. is a game-changer in the truest sense of the word. The company provides clinicians and parents a more flexible and engaging tool with which to assess children and adolescents to determine whether they face some of the most common mental health disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As a part of the panel, Ehave's CEO, Prateek Dwivedi, offers a glimpse into a future where kids are empowered to learn differently and schools and curriculums are able to adapt without having to resort to labelling kids with specific disorders, but rather delivering the cognitive help for each and every student in the best way possible.

Graeme Moffat of Muse

Moffat leads neuroscience research and health and wellness applications for Muse, the maker of a brain sensing headband that elevates the meditation experience by gently guiding your meditation through changing sounds of weather based on the real-time state of your brain. The Muse app gives users access to personalized tracking, motivational challenges and awards, encouraging them to build a more regular and effective practice. Moffat holds a PhD in neuroscience and has more than a decade of research experience in psychology and neuroscience. He is currently a TalentEdge Fellow of the Ontario Centres of Excellence and a member of the Centre for Responsible Brainwave Technology (CeReB). Moffat joins the panel to discuss how the application of emerging technologies that leverage data and data analytics, such as Muse, opens up new possibilities to combine health and gaming to support brain health.

Moderator: Dr. Sara Diamond of OCAD University

Dr. Diamond is President of OCAD University. OCAD is Canada's "university of the imagination," dedicated to art and design education, practice and research; bridging fields of digital media and design, sustainability, health and wellness, cultural diversity and indigenous cultures. Dr. Diamond also writes and lectures on the subjects of digital media history and practice, visual analytics, mobility and design strategy for peer-reviewed journals. Named one of "Toronto's 50 Most Influential People," Dr. Diamond serves on several boards, including Baycrest, CC-ABHI and ORION among others, and is theme leader on the ORF-E funded iCity project as well as a member of the BRAIN alliance. She also holds funding from the Social Science and Humanities Research Council and the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council, and her artwork is held by prestigious collections such as the Museum of Modern Art, NYC and the National Gallery of Canada. Dr. Diamond looks forward to leading an interesting discussion on the future of brain and mental health in a world defined by accelerating technologies.

Ontario at BIO International Convention 2017: A Meeting of the Minds

BIO International Convention is taking place June 19-22, 2017 in San Diego, California. Every year, this preeminent life sciences conference attracts more than 15,000 delegates from the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. Ontario will be in attendance, showcasing world-leading technology in brain and mental health. If you are unable to make the event in person, follow us on Twitter to keep up with all of the excitement.